On the 15th of December 1960, king Baudouin of the Belgians (30) got married to a Spanish noble woman, doña Fabiola de Mora y Aragón (32).

By doing so, Fabiola immediatly became queen.

Their civil marriage was in the royal palace of Brussels, the church wedding in the Saint Michel et Gudule cathedral in Brussels.

Fabiola wore the tiara of the nine provinces, which had been a wedding gift of Belgium to Baudouin's mother, queen Astrid, who died when he was 5. since then this tiara has only been worn by the queens of the Belgians (with exception of princess Lilian).

Fabiola wore a gorgeous dress, worthy of a queen, designed by Balenciaga. A few years ago she donated it to the Balenciaga museum in Spain.

Probably my all-time favorite wedding veil among 20th-century royal brides. A classy elegant look for a classy elegant lady, and judging from her appearance lately, she hasn't changed. Still a lady in every sense of the word. Thanks for the memories, Catherine!